Medical schools typically consider MCAT scores valid for two to three years from the test date. If you took the MCAT in 2023 or earlier, many schools will not accept that score for the 2026–2027 application cycle. The exact number of years depends on each school’s policy, so you must check individual program requirements carefully.
Your MCAT score does not last forever. Most US medical schools set a firm expiration window, and using an expired score can get your application rejected immediately. Understanding these rules helps you plan when to take the exam and when to apply.
Standard MCAT Score Validity Period
The Association of American Medical Colleges (AAMC) recommends that schools accept MCAT scores for up to three years. However, each school decides its own cutoff. As of June 2026, the majority of US medical schools follow a two- or three-year rule.
For example, if you took the MCAT in April 2023, most schools will accept that score for applications through the 2025–2026 cycle. But for the 2026–2027 cycle starting now, many programs will require scores from 2024 or later.
| MCAT Test Year | Typical Last Application Cycle | Status as of June 2026 |
|---|---|---|
| 2022 | 2024–2025 | Expired at most schools |
| 2023 | 2025–2026 | Expiring or expired |
| 2024 | 2026–2027 | Accepted by most schools |
| 2025 | 2027–2028 | Accepted by nearly all schools |
| 2026 | 2028–2029 | Accepted by all schools |
This table shows a general pattern. Always confirm with each school’s admissions website because some programs have stricter rules.
Why Do MCAT Scores Expire?
Medical schools want to know that you have recent knowledge of science and critical thinking. The MCAT covers biology, chemistry, physics, psychology, and sociology. These fields change over time, and your score reflects how well you understood the material at the time of the test.
An older score may not represent your current ability. Schools also want to ensure fairness among applicants who all took a similarly current exam.
What Happens If Your Score Expires
If your MCAT score is older than the school’s limit, you must retake the exam. There is no way to renew or extend an expired score. Retaking the MCAT is stressful and time-consuming, so plan your test date carefully.
Some schools allow you to submit an older score if you have been working in a medical field, but this is rare. Do not assume an exception exists unless the school explicitly states it.
How to Check Each School’s MCAT Expiration Policy
You cannot rely on a single rule for all schools. Each program publishes its policy on its admissions website. Here are steps to find the information quickly:
- Visit the medical school’s official admissions page.
- Look for a section called “Admissions Requirements” or “MCAT Policy.”
- Search for phrases like “MCAT score validity” or “oldest MCAT accepted.”
- If the website is unclear, call or email the admissions office directly.
Make a spreadsheet of every school you plan to apply to. Write down their MCAT expiration cutoff next to each name. This will save you from submitting an application with an invalid score.
Special Situations: Gap Years and Reapplicants
Many students take one or more gap years before medical school. If you took the MCAT early, say during your sophomore year of college, that score might expire before you apply. For example, a 2023 MCAT may not work for a 2027 application if you took two gap years.
If you are a reapplicant, check whether your previous MCAT score is still valid. Some schools will accept a score from your earlier application if it falls within their time window. Others require a new score regardless.
Planning Your MCAT Timeline
To avoid expiration problems, follow this simple advice:
- Take the MCAT no earlier than the spring of the year before you plan to apply.
- If you apply in June 2026, take the MCAT in 2025 or early 2026.
- Do not take the MCAT more than three years before your intended matriculation year.
This timing gives you the widest range of school options.
What About DO Schools and Caribbean Schools?
Doctor of Osteopathic Medicine (DO) programs generally follow the same two- to three-year rule as MD programs. Some DO schools may accept scores up to four years old, but this is not common. Check each DO school’s policy separately.
Caribbean medical schools often have more flexible expiration windows. Some accept MCAT scores up to five years old. However, if you plan to return to the US for residency, keep in mind that residency programs may prefer a more recent score. Always verify with the specific school.
In the end, the safest approach is to take the MCAT within two years of your application. This guarantees that nearly every US medical school will accept your score. If your score is older than that, plan to retake the exam before you submit your primary application. Do not gamble with expiration dates—check each school’s policy, and give yourself time to test again if needed.
Frequently Asked Questions
How many years till MCAT expires do schools accept?
Most US medical schools accept MCAT scores for two to three years after the test date, but you must verify each school’s specific policy because some have shorter windows.
Can I use a 2022 MCAT score for the 2026 application cycle?
No, a 2022 MCAT score is expired for nearly all US medical schools applying in 2026 because it falls outside the typical two- to three-year validity period.
Do DO schools have different MCAT expiration rules?
DO schools usually follow the same two- to three-year rule as MD programs, though a few may accept scores up to four years old. Always check the individual school’s website.
What happens if I submit an expired MCAT score?
Your application will likely be marked incomplete or rejected. Schools do not accept expired scores, so you would need to retake the MCAT and reapply.
Is there any way to extend my MCAT score’s validity?
No, you cannot extend an MCAT score. If your score is older than the school’s cutoff, you must retake the exam to have a valid application.
